Belfast
Belfast's 9 Best Cycle Routes: Your Next Adventure Awaits
Belfast's 9 Best Cycle Routes: Your Next Adventure Awaits
The Comber Greenway by Albert Bridge under license CC BY-SA 4.0
In this post we highlight some of the best cycling routes in Belfast and the surrounding area, including well-maintained cycle paths and mountain bike trails! Belfast is a great city to cycle in. The roads are wide and there are plenty of bike lanes, which make it easy to get around. Cycling is a great way to see the city, and it’s also a healthy way to get around. Belfast has some great scenery, and it’s a lot of fun to cycle through the city streets and take in all the sights. If you’re visiting Belfast, make sure to take a few days to explore the city by bike! You won’t regret it. You can see the views across to Scotland on the Divis Ridge Trail, take the family on a bike ride around the Castle Ward Shore Trail, or cycle next to the many rivers along the Connswater Community Greenway!
Cycling in Belfast: The Best Way to Experience the Beauty of the Area!
The table above lists all the best cycling routes near Belfast. Click on each name to be taken straight to the part of the blog post for that route.
Take in the gorgeous scenery of Northern Ireland on two wheels and you won't be disappointed! Have a look below at the cycle routes listed on the interactive map and click on the buttons below the map for each route, for further information before you travel. The purple icons indicate local bike hire shops in and around the city.
Comber Greenway
The Comber Greenway is a traffic-free stretch of the National Cycle Network that runs along an abandoned railway line. It provides tranquil green scenery with views across Stormont, Scrabo Tower and the Belfast Hills for those who want to take their exploration journey a bit further after their cycle!
New Connswater Greenway Path, Belfast by Albert Bridge under license CC BY-SA 4.0
The Connswater Community Greenway
The Connswater Community Greenway is a 7 mile long linear route that runs through East Belfast following the course of three of the area's rivers. The greenway connects open spaces along the wildlife corridor in order to create an environmentally friendly community that benefits people from all walks of life! There are different access points along this route where you can enjoy walking or biking at your leisure while also learning about local flora and fauna.
Lagan and Lough Cycle Way
The Lagan and Lough Cycle Way is a traffic-free cycle ride or walk linking Lisburn to Belfast. It can be split easily into shorter sections by using trains which carry many bikes at various stations along this route including one near each end. There are sights you'll want to see while going on your cycling adventure including the historic Giant's Ring archaeological site!
Castle Ward Shore Trail
The cycle to Audley's Quay is an easy, flat trail that follows the shoreline of Strangford Lough. As you go along this path you will pass by beautiful scenery and maybe a horse or two before reaching the end after around a mile of riding; making it perfect for all abilities including families!
Newtownabbey Way
The scenic and historic Newtownabbey Way is a part of National Cycle Network Route 93 that runs from Global Point at Corr’s Corner to the shores near the city center. Taking in the Three Mile Water Park on the route, the 9 mile greenway is a scenic ride that's popular with the locals in the area.
MTB: Divis Ridge Trail
If you’re looking for a quick escape from the city, take this ride up into Belfast's hills. You'll get amazing views over Northern Ireland and beyond reaching as far as Scotland on a clear day! The 5 mile long route is a short route not to be missed.
Barnett Demesne by Rossographer under license CC BY-SA 4.0
MTB: Barnett Demesne
What type of thrill seeker are you? Do your adrenaline levels sometimes need an extra boost on your holidays? If so the Barnett Demesne Jump Park is exactly what you need! With beginner friendly to intermediate features, the park has something for all levels of ability.
MTB: Castlewellan Trail
You'll be hard-pressed to find a more picturesque setting than a Victorian Castle looking over the scenery below with mountain bike trails to keep you entertained. Castlewellan Forest Park is a great place for all sorts of adventures, from mountain biking to bird watching. It has ample parking spaces and wonderful trails that are perfect if you're looking forward to an easy or challenging ride!
MTB: Craigavon Lakes
Take on a challenging ride through the beautiful landscape of Craigavon Lakes! The six-mile cycle trail meanders along broadleaf woodlands and wildflower meadows taking in the lake's shore. The route is suitable for all levels of riders and will provide a lovely cycle experience taking in the best scenery the area has to offer!
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have shared some of the best cycle routes near Belfast. To find out more about things to do in this area, click on the buttons below:
Please note...
All outdoor activities including cycling involve a degree of risk. The routes are recommended due to the well known features of each route but this may change over time and further research is required before undertaking any activity. The weather can also impact the surface and general conditions of each route so please keep yourself updated with the weather forecast before setting off to enjoy your cycle!